10 amazing things to see inside Wapusk National Park

Did you know Manitoba is actually home to two national parks? While Riding Mountain tends to get all the glory thanks to its plentiful wildlife, numerous camping options and easy access by road, Wapusk National Park in Manitoba’s north does boast plenty of wildlife, but it is one of Canada’s most uninhabited and remote parks and is accessible only to a select few each year. Wapusk borders the Hudson Bay a short jaunt from Churchill and covers almost 12,000 sq. km. of boreal forest and arctic tundra.

Today we thought we’d bring Wapusk to you in the form of 10 amazing things you can see inside this park. And should this photo tour inspire you to visit, we’ll offer a few ways you can plan your adventure up north.

1. Beach Ridges

Credit: Parks Canada

Archeological evidence shows the Inuit, Cree and Dene have called this region home for more than 3,000 years. Historically, the beach ridges in the northern part of the park appear to have been the most used by them on a sporadic and seasonal basis. In the winter, these ridges blow clear of snow and provide important feeding areas for wildlife.

Wapusk is home to numerous species of wildlife including 200 different species of bird like this snowy owl. Also keep an eye out for rare species like the ivory gull, caspian tern, peregrine falcon and great grey owl.

Obviously the park is also home to the most famous of northern mammals–the polar bear. Approximately 1,000 great white bears call Wapusk home at various times of year and can be seen wandering across the tundra. In the fall, bears gather at Cape Churchill inside Wapusk, where freezing sea ice first starts to form on the Hudson Bay.

5. Baby Polar Bears

The only thing more amazing than polar bears, are baby polar bears. Wapusk is home to one of the largest maternity denning sites in the world, meaning that every spring a lucky few get to witness mama and baby bear cubs emerge from their protective dens.

While some might associate the north with the whiteness of snow, come summertime, the tundra teems with wildflowers like this vibrant purple fireweed. And if you’re especially lucky, you might spot a local resident wandering among the flora.

A post shared by DTownCrier (@d_towncrier) on Feb 23, 2017 at 9:12pm PST

With 300 days of aurora activity per year in Northern Manitoba, catching Mother Nature’s most spectacular light show is a common occurrence.

9. Nestor Two Research Camp

Credit: Parks Canada

Established in 1968, Nestor Two has played host to countless scientists, researchers and students who monitor and study this unique ecosystem and the wildlife and vegetation that make their home here.

10. Bogs, Bays and Little Trees

Credit: Parks Canada

The land is composed of peat bogs and marshy wetlands that are nearly impossible for anyone to cross in summer. Firmer ground makes way for short trees that can live for hundreds of years and only have branches on their south sides thanks to the strong winds.

Ready to visit? Check out Frontiers North and their once a year departure to Cape Churchill where polar bears gather as the ice freezes on the Hudson Bay each fall. Or, head to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge in spring, where you’ll seek out mothers emerging from their dens with their newly minted cubs.

Hello! I'm senior content marketing manager at Travel Manitoba. I also happen to live in the greatest place on earth, and I'm excited to share it with you. Have you got a story idea? Contact me at ntuli@travelmanitoba.com.